Hull City boss Steve Bruce feels Thomas Hitzlsperger was courageous publicly announcing his homosexuality.
Hitzlsperger, the former Germany midfielder who played for Aston Villa, Everton and West Ham United, waited until he had retired before making his announcement.
Bruce said: "It's very, very brave of him. It mustn't have been easy to make that decision.
"I'm sure there are gay footballers, same as there are gay barmen or gay actors. Fair play to the lad, he's come out and been as honest has he can be."
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet said: "I am really proud of him coming out and saying it. I think society has changed a lot, and that will help a few players to come out and I think it will happen more and more often, so credit to him."
